At inaugural ball, O'Malley marches
Gov. Martin O'Malley's inaugural ball last night at the 5th Regiment Armory in Baltimore drew about 2,500 supporters, including at least one in denim -- a departure from his first, a black-tie affair attended by more than 8,000.
The event capped a day of ceremony, with O'Malley's swearing-in and address in Annapolis.
The Saw Doctors, an Irish rock band, gave a repeat performance at the ball. And the usual suspects -- cabinet secretaries, county executives, lawmakers and administration and campaign staples -- made appearances.
In a heavily staged exchange, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake implored O'Malley to play a set with his band, O'Malley's March. The governor faux hemmed and hawed and then, no surprise, rolled up his sleeves and grabbed a guitar. (First lady Katie O'Malley told the crowd, "He's such a showboat.") His first song: Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line."
One surprise attendee: former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, who resigned about a year ago after a conviction and a plea in a gift-card misuse case. She held court at a stand-up table in the middle of the floor, greeting old friends and employees. Also swirling about was "Developer B," Patrick Turner, a star witness at Dixon's trial.
Guests' $75 tickets gave them access to an open bar of beer and wine -- no spirits -- and a buffet. The venue is a training facility for the Maryland National Guard also used an emergency shelter. Ticket sales and sponsors funded the event, said O'Malley spokesman Rick Abbruzzese.
Oh, and that guy in denim? Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services spokesman Rick Binetti. He did pair the jeans with a snappy blazer.
Comments
"One surprise attendee: former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon"
No ;surprise here. All of hese people stick together, You can bet your last dollar that she;ll be ;back;,...with support and endorsements,
Posted by: Mair | January 20, 2011 8:27 AM
Glad I didn't hear him ruin Johnny Cash.
Posted by: Like Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa | January 20, 2011 2:50 PM
Interesting it was a cold freezing night in Maryland the day O'Malley was sworn back in... one bright point is he has four years left and nowhere to go unless he starts dropping banana peels in front of Barbara Bulldog Mikulski.
Even though he was underhanded and sleezy in his attack ads you have got to give it to him and his team - they know how to win elections. They are not as good at governing as they are at winning but you have got to give them kudos where it is earned.
Posted by: Unhappy with Martin | January 21, 2011 3:40 PM